Tin Whisker 5

this episode will detail how tiny "tin whiskers," which grow on wires and other innards of electronic devices, wreak havoc on such systems. In fact, these teeny troublemakers are responsible for the loss of billions of dollars worth of satellites, missiles and other equipment, including the Galaxy communications satellite system in recent years. University of Maryland engineers are researching these microscopic structures -- the episode will feature interviews with these researchers and a look into their laboratories on the College Park campus.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Galaxy
• IV
• Tin
• Whisker

[mikdfour]

Very interesting that they can't find a resolution besides 'Don't use 100% tin'. I think I'm close to a fix, I don't want to give the secret away but 50% of the problem involves a parafin gelatin which catches the whiskers before they can reach 20% of their maximum length.

[ohm037]

thanks for the comment. there are a lot of research going on to underestand the mechanism of tin whiskers. do you have any publications?

[coondogtheman1234]

haha, modern marvels I love this show. and im guessing what causes this is expansion and contraction like when electronics heat up during use and cool down when turned off. that heat/cool cycle is what I think causes it. just my 2 Cents.